Tuesday, May 27, 2014

The collared scops owl (Otus lettia) is an owl which is a resident breeder in south Asia. The collared scops owl is a common breeding bird in forests and other well-wooded areas. It nests in a hole in a tree, laying 3-5 eggs.
The collared scops owl is a small (23–25 cm) owl, although it is the largest of the scops owls. Like other scops owls, it has small head tufts, or ears. The upperparts are grey or brown, depending on the subspecies, with faint buff spotting. The underparts are buff with fine darker streaking.
The facial disc is whitish or buff, and the eyes are orange or brown. There is a buff neckband. Sexes are similar. The flight is deeply undulating.

Monday, May 26, 2014

The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a medium-sized
wild cat of South and Southeast Asia. The solitary living fishing cats are
thought to be primarily nocturnal. They are very much at home in the water and
can swim long distances, even under water.

Where do they live?
Fishing cats are broadly but discontinuously distributed in Asia, and are
primarily found in India and Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Fishing cats are
strongly associated with wetland, and are typically found in swamps and marshy
areas, oxbow lakes, reed beds, tidal creeks and mangrove areas and are more
scarce around smaller, fast-moving watercourses. Most records are from lowland
areas. Although fishing cats are widely distributed through a variety of
habitat types including both evergreen and tropical dry forest, their
occurrence tends to be highly localized.

What do they eat?
Fish is their main prey. They hunt along the edges of watercourses, grabbing
prey from the water, and sometimes diving in to catch prey further from the
banks

Are they endangered?
It is classified as endangered and have decreasing populations.

What threats do they face?
Fishing cat are endangered due to their dependence on wetlands, which are
increasingly being settled and converted for agricultural use, and also due to
human activities and habitat loss.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Biologists in Sri Lanka have published the first documented
evidence of dwarfism in an adult wild animal. A male Asian elephant (Elephas
maximus) measuring just over 1.5 meters (five feet) in height was seen in an
aggressive encounter with another male of average size. The elephant's small
stature was due to disproportionately short legs, according to the findings
published in the IUCN/SSC Asian Elephant Specialist Group journal Gajah.
"The 'dwarf' was by far the main aggressor in the altercation and appeared
to be older than the other, a young adult," states the study. "Other
than for the disproportionately short legs, morphologically and behaviorally
the dwarf appeared normal."

Dwarf adult Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). Photo by Brad
Abbott.

Dwarfism is a condition in which either the limbs are
disproportionately short relative to the body, or the whole body is in
proportion but is smaller than usual. It can be caused by a number of genetic
mutations, and is relatively common in humans. It has also been selectively
bred in many domestic animals, such as dogs, cats and cattle. However, dwarfism
in the wild is incredibly rare.

"If you think about it, most animals, especially mammals, are either
predators or prey. If you are either and are born with short limbs you would be
at a very big disadvantage," Prithiviraj Fernando of the Centre for
Conservation and Research, and one of the authors of the paper, told
mongabay.com. "A dwarf prey animal is very likely to be caught by a
predator and similarly, a dwarf predator would find it very difficult to catch
prey. So such individuals are very unlikely to survive in the wild. Elephants
in Sri Lanka are unique (together with those in Borneo) in that they have no
predators. So he was very lucky that he was born here!"

Dwarf elephant in an encounter with another male. Photo by
Brad Abbott.

Although this individual appears to be doing well, it is likely to be an isolated incidence of dwarfism within the population. "There is no real advantage to the trait, so there will not be positive natural selection for it," Fernando explained. "Also there may be an issue in mating. However, since elephants show a high degree of sexual dimorphism with males being much bigger [than females], he may be able to manage."

Dwarfism is heritable, but the outcome for potential offspring is unclear. "As we do not know which mutation is responsible in this case, we also do not know the pattern of inheritance," Fernando said.

The dwarf adult male was in musth when researchers saw it, with visible temporal gland secretions. Also visible is a scar at the tip of the trunk, inflicted by a noose set to catch bushmeat. Photo by Brad Abbott.

The elephant has already overcome some of the biggest challenges associated with dwarfism, but does not necessarily face an easy life in the future.

"One of the main issues he could have had is suckling, as elephants feed their babies standing up and the infant has to reach up to the mother's breasts. He has overcome this and has survived into adult hood," Fernando said, adding that, "however, he is still subject to all the threats that elephants have to overcome, in order to survive in the wild - especially human elephant conflict. If you look closely you can see a thin, light-colored mark close to the tip of his trunk where it got caught in a noose set to capture bushmeat. On his back and legs there are lumps that are indicative of gun-shot injuries."

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Sri Lanka’s premier hospitality brand Jetwing Hotels once
again was recognised for its efforts towards sustainable operations, with
top-end resort Jetwing Lagoon walking away with the Gold Award in the Hotel
Sector at the National Green Awards held on 12 May 2014 at the BMICH. In
addition, Jetwing Vil Uyana was the recipient of a Merit award.

Organised by the Central Environmental Authority of Sri
Lanka under the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy, the event was
held under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Awards were
initiated in 2011, to recognise those in the business community who contribute
towards eco-friendly activities and also services, local authorities, schools,
and other organisations.

Agencies and individuals are nominated under different sectors, and are
evaluated on subjects such as environmental pollution control, waste and
resources management, clean production, etc.

Jetwing Lagoon holds the honour of being Sri Lanka’s first
resort, and also architectural genius Geoffrey Bawa’s first resort design.
Formerly known as the Blue Lagoon, the property was re-imagined and launched by
Jetwing two years ago, retaining the classic open style favoured by the master
and adding other features such as the 100m straight pool.

Now a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the 55 room property is at
the forefront of the Jetwing sustainability ethos with LED lighting, biomass
boilers and solar panels for power generation, with the air conditioning being
run by an absorption chiller which utilizes steam from the biomass boiler. The
property was also the winner of the 2013 PATA Grand Award under the Environment
category – the highest accolade in the category.

Located in close proximity to the 8th wonder of the world,
the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, Jetwing Vil Uyana is the premier eco-luxury
destination in Sri Lanka. Designed from ground up to be one with nature, the
resort sits atop a man-made wetland and features 30 individual dwellings.

Jetwing Vil Uyana is also the only Sri Lankan property to be listed by National
Geographic Traveler in their Best Eco-lodges of the World issue, another PATA
Grand Award winner, and most recently the winner of the Environment Award at
the 2014 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards organised by the World Travel &
Tourism Council.

Jetwing Chairman Hiran Cooray congratulated the associates of Jetwing Lagoon
and Jetwing Vil Uyana, praising their ‘dedication and commitment to the cause
of environment friendly operations, and all their efforts to ensure that
Jetwing remains on the green path’. He also thanked the Engineering team for
their careful planning and constant outlook at the latest technologies and
practices being used worldwide.

Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 41 years, Jetwing Hotels
has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of
being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan
hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the
brand.

Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine,
create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and
elegant comfort complement each other and the environment. Considered a
priority, sustainable and responsible practice is implemented through the award
winning Jetwing Eternal Earth Programme; with energy efficiency, community
upliftment, and education of earth saving measures to school children being a
few tenets of the program.

Each year, throughout the long and harsh dry season, which
extends from May through to October, Asian elephants congregate in large
numbers around the grassy plains exposed by the receding water of the tanks of
Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. As the dry season intensifies from
around August, anywhere up to 250 Asian elephants may be observed — in a single safari — on the open plains, as different herds join up with each
other forming large, loose-knit associations. This phenomenon has been dubbed
as ‘the Gathering’, which is the largest annual seasonal congregation of elephants in the world and was ranked
by Lonely Planet sixth amongst the world’s top wildlife spectacles.

Elephants are the largest living land mammals and are charismatic giants. They
live in close knit family groups, led by a matriarch. These family groups form
larger herds in which there are young males. Adults males are generally
solitary and associate with herds only for mating.

The Gathering offers excellent opportunities for the wildlife enthusiast to
observe the social dynamics and natural behaviour of wild Asian elephants at
close-range: large bulls competing amongst themselves and seeking out receptive females in the herd; elephant
calves at play: or the bliss of an elephant when immersed in water.

During the wet season, the elephants disperse and head back to the surrounding
forests, where water and fodder is readily available. From November through to
April, Elephant Watching Safaris are run at the nearby Hurullu Eco Park where
anywhere up to 50–75 elephants may be observed.

Friday, May 9, 2014

Experience Jetwing St. Andrew’s wetland at night, where
colorful tree frogs are most active and easily observed. Walk, past the frog
pond and through the forest along the stony path and explore the habitat of the
beautiful frog species. The night tours are perfect for both frog
enthusiasts and novice explorers! The tours are conducted by the hotels
in-house Naturalist, who will take you around the trails to explain how to spot
frogs and will point out animals hiding from you. The tours start from 19.00 onwards and last for approx. 1.5hrs starting at the hotel wetland area, where
up to 10 species of frogs along with many more night creatures can be observed:

Nuwara Eliya, situated in the central hills of Sri Lanka is situated 1862 m
above sea level and has an average annual rainfall of 2150 mm. Although it is
one of the major cities in the central hills, wet lands and many montane forest
patches still exist in it. Many vertebrate species including the above
mentioned amphibian species are recorded in this area. Amphibians are
considered as environmental indicator species since they are very susceptible
to slight changes.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Sri Lanka has a huge and diversified eco system, with a
larger part of the island nation still green and unexplored.

Many foreign investors have already pumped in money to
develop Sri Lanka as a tourist destination.

“You can see how serious we are to promote tourism in the
country.

The island has more
than eight national parks and many wildlife sanctuaries. Water tourism is
another specialised and unexplored segment of the island nation

"We have built a second international airport even
though we have Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport.

"This is only to ensure that tourists get access to
Yala National Park, which has the highest number of leopards in Asia and boasts
of other wildlife in its diversified ecosystem,” said a Sri Lankan tourism
department official.

The island has over eight national parks and many wildlife
sanctuaries.

Water tourism is another specialized and unexplored segment
of the island nation which is picking up in a big way with all those who visit
here.

Tourism currently contributes to over 5 per cent of its GDP
and the government expects the figure to go up to 7.5 per cent next year.

“We have many unexplored areas in the country which tourists
would love to visit.

"We do not have any major industries in our country and
also being an island state we have clean pollution-free beaches,” said another
official.

Friday, May 2, 2014

The river is an ever
changing orchestra weaving through endless trajectory and swampy tributary, the
vast drama, whose environment is populated by man and nature evolve, together,
as friend and foe, symbiotic in their intercourse. The barge-like bamboo boat,
moving sluggishly with its silhouette in gentle sway, undulates, its wooden
body, a pinnacle of human craftsmanship, carrying its lot, commanded by the
fates’ of the furies of the elan vital, anchored ostensibly in the seasons at
the legendary Dedduwa Boat House.

Aboard the Bamboo Palace

Anchors away as we push out from the river bank, two turns
left, one click right of the Yathra steering wheel, the boat engine starts to
hum and our bamboo palace sets adrift on a river that is the source of life for
the area’s ancient fishing community. Green catamaran wooden boats speckle the
Dedduwa River, which is named after the local village.

The wizened old Dedduwa men can be found hunched up catching
Modha, a river fish for the day’s rice and curry, with a Huckleberry Finn style
rod, turbaned in red to stop them overheating in the harsh tropical sun. Amzar,
my youngest son at the helm and Samad at the starboard taking pictures, get all
excited as a monitor lizard pops its head out from the bushy undergrowth, and
they scream ‘it’s a crocodile’ as this is what we have told them to stop them
getting too close to the edge of the boat and falling into the river.

The monitor lizard ignores them as he crawls through the
gnarled undergrowth of woven mangroves looking for something to eat. Life does
not come more idyllic than this with the thatched boat roof rustling in the
breeze, listening to the sound of Kingfishers mating in the cool of the
undergrowth, whistling happily as we pass by. All the while an eagle circles
overhead eyeing our journey’s progress along a river teaming with life, that
was also once a major waterway for transferring wooden logs and cinnamon during
the colonial period.

Parawa fish jump through the air so they can dive on the
little fish and eat them as we head towards the Dedduwa River island, a bird
sanctuary and a place where technology ceases to work and where one’s mind
becomes clear of all the junk that makes today’s lifestyle so hectic and
trying. Here the importance is living in harmony with nature and the changing
tides, avoiding sand banking yourself as you catch fish to cook for your
family. Life does not get any more simple and fun. –

Uber cool houseboat

Jetwing Yathra is a stunning 76 foot uber cool designer
houseboat, similar in style to an old rice barge with two stunning double
bedrooms with splashes of colourful cushions, stripy window curtains, complete
with all modern facilities such as air conditioning. The handmade colonial
style boat boxes bring a vintage feel to this charmingly designed boat. The
boxes have been used in a variety of ways from side tables to cupboards for your
clothes and the highlight of the room is one’s very own private river view
balcony. In a separate room there is a sunken bathtub where you can soak in
luxury while watching the sun set, turning the bamboo, mangrove paradise into a
shimmering river of gold. Sipping fresh juices made in the boat’s kitchen is
the ideal way to fully enjoy the warm bubble bath while washing the dust of the
day from your body, with windows on all sides to take in the ever changing
views or a vigorous shower for those who do not want to miss any of the action
on the main deck. Between the two rooms is a sitting room where you can lounge
around on blue and green cushions and read books as the boat gently rocks you
to sleep or go onto the second deck to experience the full panoramic roof
terrace views of the river or for the sun worshipper it is the ideal spot to
take a deck chair and catch a tan.

All the while the team are cutting up fresh village
vegetables for our dinner and marinating fish from the river if you have been
lucky enough to catch some. They love mixing dhal with spinach or potato with
tempered onions and many other exciting concoctions.

Boat life is simple with three and a half hour water safaris
taking place daily in-between anchoring up to explore the village area or to
just stop and have a meal on the front deck. The soothing green of the
vegetation, and the lapping waters cool the mind, along with the river winds
that make one sit in the same spot for hours, just taking in the ever changing
views of the river as the light dances from tree to tree. As I clamber over the
bamboo railings and climb up to the upper deck, I am amazed just how
differently one sees things from one side of the boat to the other, barefoot so
one does not damage the wonderful wooden floorboards that hark back to the old
style boat building era, but with all the touches of modern living like hot
coffee or tea on tap.

Meals under the canopy

Dinner like breakfast is served on a lovely wooden table
with green deck chairs on the starboard and a simple woven canopy roof cover
keeps the tropical sun from turning us all the into the color of lobsters.
Nothing beats eating freshly prepared rice and curry with all the
accompaniments of sweet mango chutney, dishes lit by only the full moon and the
stars. This place bear’s witness to the saying early to bed, early to rise
makes you healthy, wealthy and wise.

To really appreciate the beauty of river living one must
rise as the sun comes up and the dawn chorus of birds act as a wake-up call for
the villagers to meet the day, along with the chanting monks and their calls to
prayer. One feels re-born as the colours of sunrise rip across the river like
splashes of paint from an artist’s messy palette, kissing the clouds as one
enjoys a freshly brewed cup of milk tea and hand baked bread with homemade
marmalade jams. I feel like I am home again at my grandmother’s house in
England, when conversation was key to the day’s entertainment instead of
pointless computer games and TV and being plugged into all world changing
events. For intelligent thoughtful people this has been the single most
destructive force of the 21st century. Chatting with the boat crew making fresh
dhal with a range of amazing Sri Lankan spices, is just that - the spice of
life. So don’t miss the boat, live a little Yathra style.

To get to the Dedduwa Boat House take the highway from
Colombo to Aluthgama and take the Welipanna exit or travel along the old Galle
Road to 449/1 Haburugala, Dedduwa, Benthota. If coming from Galle turn after
Amal Restaurant on your left at Benthota Junction and follow the Elpitiya road
to the Dedduwa river and look for the Jetwing Yathra sign.